"I have dreams about the day a French player dons [a Hanshin] uniform," said Yoshida. "I was very fortunate to have a chance to learn more about France through baseball. It has been over 15 years since I first coached in France and they continue to get better every year."

Yoshida managed the Hanshin Tigers (1975-1977, 1985-1987, 1997-1998 - 484-511-56) before heading off to France in 1989. He then went on to manage the French National Team between 1990 and 1995 and helped them get to 4th at the European Baseball Tournament in 1991 and 1993.